Jealousy and Revenge in Othello

The text discusses how Othello's directness hinders his ability to navigate both political life and matters of the heart, leading to jealousy. It emphasizes the conflict between military bravery and love.

The play commences with a discussion on jealousy, as Iago becomes upset when Othello selects Michael Cassio as his lieutenant. He envies Cassio's position in both the military and Othello's service. This initial jealousy triggers a sequence of events involving intertwined jealousy and destruction throughout the play. Brabantio also experiences some jealousy towards the Moor for stealing his daughter's love, as he no longer holds the most significant place in Desdemona's life.

Roderigo, who is lovesick, struggles with his concealed feelings for Desdemona and becomes jealous upon witnessing her involved with someone else. Meanwhile, Iago openly unveils his plan of destruction that heavily relies on jealousy as its main factor.

His goal is to provoke strong envy in Othello by creating a false romantic relationship between Desdemona and Cassio. Iago purposely fuels Othello's jealousy, portraying it as a dangerous 'green-eyed monster.

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' The monstrous aspect of jealousy is depicted. Ultimately, all the reasons for being jealous are revealed as baseless. Throughout the play, Desdemona remains loyal, but Othello only recognizes this truth when it is already too late. Jealousy drives the agony and downfall of these tragic characters; the green-eyed monster has succeeded in their ruin.

Revenge

Revenge is a recurring theme in the play, with various characters seeking vengeance. Iago's desire for revenge stems from Othello's failure to promote him to lieutenant, prompting him to plot and ruin Othello's life.

Likewise, Brabantio seeks retribution for his daughter's betrayal by bringing Othello before the Duke and demanding his imprisonment as an act of justice. Iago also devises a complex scheme of revenge by exploiting Othello's jealousy to dismantle his relationship with Desdemona. He likens his intricate deceit to a spider web designed to ensnare its prey, indicating that revenge is the sole motivation behind his actions. Furthermore, Emilia and Desdemona briefly discuss revenge in relation to marital infidelity, contemplating whether it is an appropriate response.

In Shakespeare's Othello, the character of Othello considers seeking revenge by killing Desdemona. He feels that she has deceived him and questions his own honor. Additionally, he believes it is his responsibility to protect all men from a wife who would betray her husband. Ultimately, he decides that he must end her life. The play delves into various factors including race, gender, social status, family relations, and military service as influential elements in shaping one's identity. It also explores how an individual's sense of self can be compromised and controlled by others, ultimately affecting their behavior.

Queries related to an individual's identity

1. Is there a change in Othello's identity throughout the play? Does Desdemona also undergo a similar transformation? 2. How does the relationship between Othello and Desdemona impact their individual identities? 3. What is the reason behind Cassio expressing his sadness about losing his "reputation"?

Do we ever get a chance to see the true Iago? The contrast between reality and appearances is emphasized by Shakespeare. Iago claims that 'Men should be what they seem' (even though he is not trustworthy), while Othello seeks 'ocular proof' or visible evidence. However, what Othello perceives is not what he believes it to be. For instance, when he witnesses Cassio discussing Desdemona, Cassio is actually referring to another woman.

6. Othello is also convinced by the tale that Cassio used the precious handkerchief to wipe his beard, although there is no evidence besides Iago's false statement. Othello falls for other deceits as well - upon hearking a scream, he wrongly assumes that Cassio has died, when in fact he has only been injured. However, the most crucial divergence between what Othello perceives and what is true is his unwavering trust in Iago's integrity, despite the audience's knowledge that this perception is unfounded.

Race

Othello is an early example of a black hero in English literature, serving as a military general who has achieved power and influence. However, his racial difference and foreign background make him an outsider in Venice, subjecting him to explicit racism, especially from his wife's father, who suspects Othello of trickery in their interracial marriage. This play explores anxieties about miscegenation, intertwining discussions of race, gender, and sexuality in Othello's narrative.

Queries regarding race

The play centers around the impact of Othello's race and the stereotypes linked to it on his relationships with his wife and other characters. Furthermore, Othello's race significantly influences how he views himself as a hero.

Gender

The theme of gender is explored in the play Othello.

The portrayal of gender relations in Othello is characterized by hostility. Unmarried women are viewed as their fathers' possessions, and the marriages depicted in the play demonstrate male jealousy and violence (both wives are killed by their husbands). Most male characters in Othello hold the belief that all Venetian women are naturally promiscuous, which instills a profound fear among men regarding female sexuality. Othello quickly becomes convinced that his wife is being disloyal to him, resulting in feelings of emasculation and humiliation.

The play by Shakespeare delves into the concerns and anxieties of the sixteenth century regarding relationships between people of different races. It achieves this by portraying a relationship between a black man and a white woman, in which he accuses her of being unfaithful and ultimately kills her. The theme of faithlessness is prevalent throughout the play, as most male characters assume that women are inherently promiscuous. Consequently, all three female characters face accusations of sexual betrayal. This assumption also plays a role in Iago's manipulation of Othello, leading him to suspect his wife of having an affair. Furthermore, Othello stands out for its portrayal of homoerotic desire, which influences Iago's plan to ruin both Othello and Desdemona.

What are some questions about sex?

Brabantio's opposition to Desdemona marrying Othello stems from his racial prejudice. Iago further fuels this prejudice by highlighting Othello's sexual relationship with Desdemona. Moreover, rumors circulate about homoerotic desire within Othello. Finally, Bianca, a Venetian courtesan and one of the play's three female characters, holds considerable importance.

It is important to recognize that when discussing gender and sexuality, the topic must also consider race. In the play, certain characters, including Othello, believe that black men sexually defile white women. This belief may shed light on why Othello sees his wife as impure. Questions related to gender that arise from this situation include:

1. In the play, male characters have certain assumptions about women and their views on female sexuality. 2. Additionally, there are instances where male characters experience emasculation and the triggers for such feelings are explored. 3. When Iago informs Brabantio about Othello eloping with his daughter, he refers to Othello as a "thief". This reflects assumptions made about daughters in this context. 4. Finally, Desdemona's desire to engage in warfare with Othello is also questioned and examined.

Othello and Iago both pledge to exact revenge during the pivotal moment of the play, which takes place in Act III, scene iii. Othello remains resolute in his determination to not waver until he attains this vengeance. This particular juncture marks the climax of the play as Iago's manipulation proves successful and Othello firmly holds onto the belief that Desdemona is unfaithful.

If I were the Moor, I would not embody the character of Iago. Instead, my presence alongside him serves my personal agenda. My motives are not driven by love and duty, but rather by hidden intentions. As people witness my actions and discern the genuine emotions and intentions within me, they will eventually perceive beyond the mask. The way I present myself does not correspond to my true identity.

In this early speech, Iago discusses his tactics with Roderigo, expressing that he follows Othello not out of love or duty but with the intention of manipulating and deceiving him. He seeks to exact revenge on Othello, whom he suspects of having an affair with his wife. Iago believes that people who appear genuine are foolish. He states that the day he openly displays his true emotions will be the day he becomes most vulnerable, saying "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve / For daws to peck at." However, he implies that such a day will never come.

The text emphasizes Iago's elusive and contradictory manner of speaking. Phrases such as "If I were the Moor, I would not be Iago" and "I am not what I am" hide as much, if not more, than they reveal. Even with Roderigo and the audience, Iago consistently employs deceitful behavior. The enigma or puzzle presented in this speech symbolizes the pervasive influence of Iago throughout the play: his succinct sentences ("Do you think, my lord?" in III.iii.109) or gestures (motioning for Othello to approach in Act IV, scene i) allow for multiple interpretations.

3. Perhaps because I am black and lack the social skills cherished by the upper class, or perhaps because I am getting older - although that is not a significant factor - she has left me. I have been mistreated, and my only solace is to despise her. Oh, the curse of marriage! We claim ownership over these delicate beings, yet we do not control their desires. I would prefer to be a toad and survive on the dampness of a dungeon than to hold a place in her heart for the satisfaction of others. However, this affliction affects even those in positions of power; they too are subject to it. It is an unavoidable destiny, similar to death. (III.iii.267–279)

Explanation for Quotation 3 >>

In Act I, scene iii of Shakespeare's play Othello, Othello expresses his self-doubt about his abilities in speech by describing himself as "rude." However, he quickly disproves this claim by delivering a captivating and persuasive speech about how he won Desdemona over with his storytelling skills. Later on, when Iago raises suspicions about his wife's faithfulness, Othello starts to believe that he is indeed inarticulate and uncivilized, lacking the refinement that chamberers possess. It's worth noting that this is the first instance where Othello himself draws attention to his race and age instead of it being brought up by Iago. Othello concludes that Desdemona has left him, illustrating how much influence Iago's insinuations about Cassio and Desdemona have had on Othello's state of mind. In just a short time span of about 100 lines, he has gone from believing in his blissful marriage to feeling abandoned.

The unpleasant imagery that comes after this declaration of abandonment—Othello views Desdemona as a mere "creature" of "appetite" and envisions himself as a "toad" in a "dungeon"—foreshadows his later speech in Act IV, scene ii. In this speech, he compares Desdemona to a "cistern for foul toads / To knot and gender in," and claims that she is as honest "as summer flies are in the shambles [slaughterhouses], / That quicken even with blowing" (IV.ii.63–64, 68–69). Othello's remark, "’tis the plague of great ones," indicates that the only potential solace he finds in his moment of despair is his success as a soldier, which proves that he is not "base." He tries to rationalize his wife's alleged infidelity as an inevitable aspect of being a great man, but his comfort is half-hearted and unconvincing. Eventually, he resigns himself to cuckoldry as if it were "death."

5. This passage discusses a person who did not love wisely, but loved too much. They were not easily jealous, but became extremely troubled. The person regretfully discarded something precious, like an Indian throwing away a valuable pearl. Their tearful eyes, unaccustomed to expressing emotion, shed tears as quickly as Arabian trees produce healing sap. Remember this and also mention that in Aleppo, the speaker physically confronted and attacked a malicious Turk who insulted the state and harmed a Venetian. Explanation for Quotation 5 >>

Othello stabs himself in the chest and utters his final words. In this farewell speech, Othello reinforces his role as both a part of and an outsider in Venetian society. The speech is smoothly eloquent, making references to "Arabian trees," "Aleppo," and a "malignant and a turbaned Turk," reminding us of Othello's earlier speech in Act I, scene iii, lines 127–168, and the captivating stories of adventure and war he used to win Desdemona's heart. No longer overwhelmed by grief as he was when he exclaimed, "O fool! fool! fool!," Othello appears to have composed himself, regained his dignity, and consequently earned our respect (V.ii.332).

Othello, once famous in Venice for his martial prowess, reminds us of his military skills. However, as he describes killing a Turk and simultaneously takes his own life, he aligns himself with those who are seen as a military threat to Venice. Some argue that this also signifies a psychological threat. In this powerful and dreadful act, Othello acknowledges that he is an outsider and will always be considered one. His suicide can be seen as a form of martyrdom, a final act of service to the state where he eliminates the only remaining enemy: himself.